Kenyan paleoanthropologist and conservationist Richard Leakey, who unearthed evidence that helped prove humankind evolved in Africa, died Sunday at age 77
"I have this afternoon, Sunday 2nd January 2022, received with deep sorrow the sad news of the passing away of Dr. Richard Erskine Frere Leakey, Kenya's former Head of Public Service," Kenyatta's statement said."On behalf of the people of Kenya, my family and on my own behalf, I send heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family, friends and associates of Dr. Richard Leakey during this difficult period of mourning.
She and her husband, Louis Leakey, unearthed skulls of ape-like early humans, shedding fresh light on our ancestors.Richard Leakey held a number of prominent official positions in Kenya.Richard Leakey is perhaps best known for his discovery of fossils, particularly the 1984 excavation of the bones of"Turkana Boy," a nearly complete skeleton of a young male Homo erectus dating to 1.6 million years ago.